Importance of Making Children Tech-Savvy

Computation as we all know is important in mathematics and in our daily lives. Teaching children a variety of ways to compute and to enhance their ability to solve mathematical concepts and problems must begin from a very early age. While laying stress on mental computation, children must also be taught usefulness of calculators in solving problems containing large numbers or complex calculations.

Common hitches that children face while calculating

Speed and accuracy are the two most important things to be kept in mind while calculating. If one method proves inefficient, the child must learn to quickly replace it with the better one. Supposedly a child is asked to calculate 19+7 =? , then usually student uses unitary method. He would first start with 19 and count on another 7 and then arriving at the correct answer but this is a slower route, and the route gets slower as the problem gets bigger. All this problems need to be identified and worked upon. Students who score well in math in primary classes gradually begin to fail in high school.

New strategies and methods must be taught to children, so that they can brush up their mathematical skills. Constant practice in solving mathematical problems is the key as our brain becomes sharper to do high level of mental math. An interest in computation can be developed with the use of diagrams, some manipulative games etc in children. Likewise, critical thinking is also evoked with the help of these strategies and proves to be very useful of children all through their life.

Role of teachers in enhancing computational skills in children

Mental computation is actually beginning of mathematics and it emphasizes on the mental processes that is used to attain the answer. Good computational skills also improve reasoning and logical skills in children. Yet many students face hiccups when they reach 5th grade. It is in the primary sections that the school must provide specialist math teachers to students, who can make their basic math strong.

With right modulation in the teaching method, teachers must teach in a way to prepare students to perform their sums with the use of number bonds and manipulative like unit cubes and the math balance. Another approach is that students must be taught the right method to use mental computation. Thorough speed and the ability to operate mentally aid students to excel in math. It is no doubt that it is imminent for children to master mathematical skills and problem solving.